Dominic Barton, strategic counselor at Eurasia Group and chair of Rio Tinto, warns that geopolitical risks are dismantling long-held assumptions about international institutions and free trade. The 50% U.S. tariffs on certain Canadian goods exemplify this volatility, with decisions now made on social media rather than through traditional diplomacy. Barton urges executives to embed geopolitics into their core strategy, balance sheets, and government relations. Rio Tinto reported a 43% jump in first-half earnings, driven by higher copper and aluminum prices linked to data center demand. Despite China being a competitor, Rio Tinto has significantly increased its purchasing from the country because the equipment is superior in quality and durability.
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